OWN (UP) Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

own (up)

verb

Definition of own (up)

as in to confess

to make an acknowledgment of something unpleasant as true or valid had a strong suspicion about which coworker stole her food from the office fridge, but the likely culprit refused to own up

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for own (up)

Verb

Nancy Wilcox remains missing, and Pender said Bundy confessed to killing her.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Bundy was executed in 1989 after confessing to the killings of at least 30 people.

— Hannah Sampson, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of confess

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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“Own (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/own%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of own (up)

verb

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